The Best Private Schools in New Boston, Illinois
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Boston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Peoria
St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School serves students from pre-K through 8th grade with a comprehensive Catholic education program. Located approximately 30 minutes from New Boston, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by faith formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong parent involvement and community support. Extracurricular programs include robotics, music, sports, and various clubs.
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Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located about 25 minutes from New Boston in Bettendorf, Iowa, the school offers the International Baccalaureate program and maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The campus features historic buildings, modern science labs, athletic facilities, and extensive technology integration. Known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and diverse student body, Rivermont consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities.
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Alleman High School
Catholic Diocese of Rockford
Alleman High School is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving students in grades 9-12. Located approximately 25 minutes from New Boston in Rock Island, the school offers a strong college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school features modern academic facilities, extensive athletic programs, and a robust fine arts department. With a focus on spiritual formation and academic excellence, Alleman maintains a strong tradition of community service and student leadership development. The school has a proven track record of preparing students for college success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Boston, Illinois
What are the primary private school options available for families in New Boston, Illinois, and what grade levels do they serve?
New Boston, IL, is served by a few key private institutions, each with a distinct focus. St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School typically offers a faith-based education for younger grades, often through elementary and sometimes middle school. Rivermont Collegiate, located in the broader Quad Cities area accessible to New Boston residents, is a private, non-sectarian school offering a college-preparatory program from preschool through 12th grade. Alleman High School in Rock Island is a Catholic college-preparatory high school serving grades 9-12. For comprehensive K-12 private education, many New Boston families also consider schools in nearby Moline, Rock Island, and Bettendorf, Iowa.
How does tuition for private schools in the New Boston, IL, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the New Boston area varies significantly by school and grade level. Parish-supported Catholic schools like St. Katharine Drexel often have lower tuition rates for registered parishioners, while independent schools like Rivermont Collegiate have a higher, comprehensive tuition. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $5,000-$8,000 annually for local Catholic elementary schools to over $20,000 for upper grades at independent colleges. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and Illinois residents should investigate the "Invest in Kids Act" tax credit scholarship program, which can provide significant assistance to eligible families. Additionally, many schools have parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to New Boston students?
Schools serving New Boston leverage their proximity to the Quad Cities for unique programs. Rivermont Collegiate emphasizes advanced STEM, global studies, and has a renowned international baccalaureate (IB) program. Alleman High School offers strong college-prep academics alongside distinctive programs like its Engineering Academy and dedicated theology curriculum. Given the region's heritage, many schools integrate local history, Mississippi River ecology, and agricultural science into their coursework. Extracurriculars often include robust robotics teams, speech and debate, and music programs that participate in regional competitions across Illinois and Iowa.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the New Boston, Illinois, area?
The enrollment process often begins a full year in advance, especially for sought-after schools and higher grade levels. Most schools host open houses in the fall (October-November). Application deadlines for the following academic year are typically in January or February, with admission decisions and financial aid awards communicated by March. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or assessment day. For Catholic schools, priority is frequently given to active parish members and siblings of current students. We recommend contacting your school of interest by early fall to get on their mailing list and understand any specific requirements.
For families in New Boston, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in the area?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. New Boston's public schools are part of the Unity Point School District, offering a community-centered education. Private options provide alternatives such as a specific religious foundation (Catholic), a highly rigorous college-prep focus (like Rivermont), or much smaller class sizes. Transportation can be a factor, as Illinois does not provide public busing for private school students, so commuting to schools in Rock Island or Bettendorf is a consideration. Additionally, private schools may offer more specialized academic support or acceleration programs. It's advisable to visit both types, talk to current parents, and consider your child's learning style and your family's values.